TRADING Standards chiefs in Kent are warning people to be on their guard against a Christmas scam.

Complaints have been received after a number of residents in the Medway area were sent posters containing stories of the birth of Jesus through the post without their permission and asked to pay £4.99 for them.

Now Trading Standards officers have warned people to beware as the posters come with an invoice demanding a payment.

The Trading Standards team believes that the posters are being sent to people without their permission and that often these businesses charge over and above what most High Street traders would charge for a higher quality product.

The Distance Selling Regulations say that if a trader sends goods in the post on a unsolicited basis (without the householder's knowledge or permission), the recipient can treat the goods as an "unconditional gift".

The Trading Standards team is advising people who receive one of these posters not to send payment to the sender.

Head of Trading Standards and Enforcement Andy McGrath said: "Trading Standards receives a number of complaints each year from the residents of Medway about traders sending goods in the post which have not been ordered.

"Many people send money away to these businesses in the belief that they are contributing to a religious or charitable cause, when this is usually not the case."

If anyone has received unsolicited goods through the post and would like further information or advice they can phone the advice team on 01634 333555.